Point and Howl Dog Training

11/15/2025

😂

11/07/2025

Reactive ≠ bad.

Dogs are naturally reactive to the environment around them. And reactive doesn’t always mean aggressive. It simply means dogs are highly aware of the world around them. They’re sensory-driven animals built to notice movement, sound, scent, and energy shifts — the very instincts that once helped them survive as hunters and guardians.

Some breeds, especially working and herding types like German Shepherds, Malinois, and Border Collies, are intentionally bred to react fast to environmental changes. That sharpness makes them incredible partners — but without proper structure and exposure, it can also lead to overreactions like barking, lunging, or biting when overstimulated.

In today’s suburban world, the very instincts that once made dogs exceptional hunters and guardians often clash with the lifestyle we’ve built for them. Doorbells, delivery trucks, barking dogs behind fences… Visual, auditory, sensory overload — keeping dogs’ nervous system activated at all times. To us, that vigilance looks like misbehavior. But to the dog, it’s just being aware, doing what it was designed to do.

Because our human environments are predictable and artificial, we tend to label natural canine responses — barking, scanning, lunging, pacing — as “bad,” when in reality they’re symptoms of an animal trying to navigate overstimulation without guidance.

Early and consistent exposure to new environments, surfaces, sounds, and social settings helps dogs learn how to think before they react. A well-socialized, confident dog doesn’t ignore the world — they just know how to stay composed in it.

A reactive dog isn’t “bad.” They’re overwhelmed, under-guided, and waiting for guidance that makes sense in a modern world that’s anything but natural.

10/28/2025

The American Bully: all drool, hippo energy, half a brain cell, and enough love to knock you flat. You might get run over, but hey — being crushed never felt so affectionate. 😂

Big dogs with no control can be dangerous — not because they’re aggressive, but because they’re powerful.
Early education is everything for large breeds. It’s how we turn 120 lbs of chaos into calm, reliable companionship.

At Point and Howl, we love bringing out the best in every breed. Tommy’s here for a 4-week full-immersion obedience course — building focus, reliability, and trust in this absolute love tank.

10/28/2025

I truly love raising puppies for my clients — watching them grow from tiny little potatoes into thinking, capable, happy dogs who make all the right choices and bring joy to their people.

This working-line German Shepherd and I started when she was just eight weeks old, and we’ve been stacking solid foundation blocks ever since. She came with a serious engine, and it’s been such a fun process teaching her how to use all that power and drive the right way.

And just as important — teaching her humans how to drive the sports car they’ve got on their hands.

10/17/2025

With the weather cooling, our dogs—and the Point and Howl team—have been grinding hard. After one of our busiest summers yet, we’re ready to slow down, enjoy the holidays, and spend time with family, friends, and our animals. 🐕 🐈 🕷️ 🐍

Huge thanks to our clients for all the effort this year—your progress has been amazing to watch.

10/15/2025

To the young dog people and emerging professionals — listen carefully.
Who you choose to surround yourself with early in your dog journey matters. It shapes your values, beliefs, and the lens through which you see and treat the animals in your care. It will influence your direction, your craft, and your ethics.

This industry is full of loud voices — some charismatic, some skilled, many convinced they have all the answers. They’ll draw a crowd and build tight circles around themselves. But be intentional about who you let into your head. Slow down. Question. Build your own perspective, don’t just inherit someone else’s.

The people you learn from will either elevate you — sharpen your skills, deepen your understanding, and ground your principles — or they’ll drag you into narrow, harmful thinking. Choose wisely.

And above all, always, always listen to what the dog is telling you.

09/30/2025

09/25/2025

For those raising a Doberman with natural ears, you may notice the ears start to lift, curl, or sit unevenly around the time your puppy is teething. This is completely normal - changes in cartilage strength during this phase can affect ear set.

A simple way to help them finish nicely is to tape the ears down during this stage. This isn’t the same as posting cropped ears - it’s much less involved. It will make noticeable difference in how the ears lay once teething is complete.

I recommend using an athletic tape to secure the ear in the desired position. It should hold them flat without being too tight or restrictive. The goal is simply to guide the ear while the cartilage is soft.

This is often overlooked, but it’s part of how I ensure a clean, correct look on a natural-eared Doberman as they mature.

Be sure to check the comments below for a video demonstration of how I tape ears during this phase.

09/24/2025

🐕 Adoptable Dog – 1-Year-Old Male Doberman Pinscher

• Age: 1 year
• S*x: Male (intact)
• Temperament: High prey drive, very social with people and dogs (both male and female), confident, biddable, loves to problem solve

🏋🏽‍♀️ Training:

• Leash walking, sit, down, place, and recall started
• Crate trained
• Started on e-collar training
• Very food motivated and loves to work

☀️ Potential: Excellent candidate for performance sports or protection sports for a beginner handler

To make the transition smooth, Point and Howl Dog Training will provide free training support to his new home.

There is no adoption fee. If you’re interested in meeting him, please reach out:

📧 [email protected]
📱 Text: (520) 606-4994

09/21/2025

The “dog book” will tell you you’re failing. That your dogs aren’t good enough. That you aren’t good enough.

Shut it down.

Delete the apps.

Cut out the toxic people.

Step outside.

Pay attention.

Learn.

Look at your dogs.

Actually see them.

Be the person they need. Nothing more, nothing less.

Ask: Who are they? What do they need? Then deliver.

And find your circle—the people who push you forward, not drag you down. That’s where the real world begins.